Daniel Burnham, born on September 4, 1846 in New York, was a renowned architect and urban designer who left a lasting impact on the cities of Chicago, Manila, and Baguio. He rose to prominence as the Director of Works for the World's Colombian Exposition and later went on to design iconic buildings such as New York City's Flatiron Building and Washington D.C.'s Union Station.
Before embarking on his successful career in architecture, Burnham faced challenges in his early years. He failed to gain admission to both Harvard and Yale, leading him to explore politics briefly before finding his true calling as an apprentice to William LeBaron Jenney. Under Jenney's guidance, Burnham honed his skills as a draftsman and eventually designed his first skyscraper, the Masonic Temple, in 1892.
One of Burnham's most significant contributions to urban design was his collaboration with Edward H. Bennett on "The Plan of Chicago" in 1906. This groundbreaking plan was one of the first attempts to systematically plan the growth of a city, inspired by the City Beautiful movement of the time.
Throughout his life, Burnham remained dedicated to his work and family. Raised in the Swedenborgian Church of New Jerusalem, he upheld strong religious values and passed them on to his two sons, Daniel Jr. and Hubert, whom he shared with his wife Margaret Sherman.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Burnham's influence extended far beyond the world of architecture. He was even mentioned on an episode of the popular TV show "How I Met Your Mother" by a character who referred to him as an 'architectural chameleon.'
Overall, Daniel Burnham's contributions to the field of architecture and urban design have left a lasting impact on cities around the world. His innovative approaches to city planning and his iconic buildings serve as a reminder of his enduring legacy in the world of design.